New Canaan police are warning residents about a scam where criminals posing as representatives from a utility company seek to secure credit card information from their victims.
According to a press release issued by Police Chief Leon Krolikowski, the department on Tuesday received a number of complaints from local businesses regarding phone calls from a man claiming to be an Eversource employee.
“The fraudster claimed that the businesses’ electric bill was past due and that service would be shut off unless a credit card was provided. These calls are fraudulent,” Krolikowski said.
“This scam has been reported throughout Fairfield County and both residences as well as small businesses have been targeted. According to the Eversource, company representatives never demand instant payment, and do not require the use of prepaid debit cards.”
The police chief is urging residents to keep these tips in mind:
- Never provide personal financial or utility account information to any unsolicited individual, in person, on the phone, or online, even if the individual seems legitimate.
- Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes the actions they can take to maintain service.
- Customers can verify they are speaking with an Eversource representative by asking for some basic information about their account like the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance.
The utility company itself also is urging anyone with questions or concerns about an employee to phone Eversource directly at 800-286-2000, and to notify local police.
The new scam appears to be similar to “Green Dot scams,” where victims are told they can avoid penalties by purchasing Green Dot MoneyPak prepaid gift cards at a store, Krolikowski said.
“The victims are told to call back and provide the gift card serial number,” he said. “Once the scammer has the serial number, they are able to transfer those funds.”
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